The One Piece manga series is soon about to commence its Elbaf Arc, taking the Straw Hat Pirates into a land of never-ending cold. This region of the world is inspired by ancient Norse culture and mythology, as proven by the Giants’ attires and attitudes. This is further confirmed by the name of their ruler, the mysterious prince Loki.

Not much is known about this man, except that he was once engaged to Lola, one of Big Mom’s daughters. Yet, the mythological origins of its name may have already hinted at his role in the story. One legend in particular seems important for the plot, as it could reveal the origin of the Five Elders’ immortality.

Loki May Be Responsible for the Elders’ Undying Nature

A Known Myth Tells a Similar Story

While never confirmed by Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the series, it has become clear to fans that Prince Loki was inspired by the Norse deity of the same name. This good was known for being a trickster, often putting his whims over everything else. Despite not being confirmed, the fact that the Elbaf ruler shares his name may imply that his personality might be similar to that of the Norse God. If that is indeed the case, the myth of Loki stealing Idun’s golden apples of immortality could become relevant to the One Piece story.

This legend tells the tale of Loki being threatened by an eagle, who is later revealed to be a Jotunheim Giant in disguise, to steal Idun’s apples. These fruits were coveted by all as they would give everlasting life to those who would constantly eat them. The myth explains that Loki did bring the apples to the Giant, giving Odin’s enemies the secret to the gods’ immortality. In the case of One Piece, this legend could be interpreted as Loki stealing the secret to eternal life from the Five Elders, or him being the one who gave them at one point in the past.

Prince Loki Could Be Crucial in Defeating the Five Elders

He May Know a Way to Strip Them From Their Immortality

If Loki is indeed responsible for granting or stealing the source of the Five Elders’ eternal life, he could become a vital part of their downfall. Even if this is not the case, and the Elders' immortality truly comes from Imu's powers as teased in recent chapters, Oda could still connect to that myth in some way. The Prince of the Giants could be among the only characters in the world aware of the origins and weakness of their immortality, and he could share this information with the Straw Hats to give them an advantage during their inevitable confrontation.

Regardless of whether these events take place in the manga or not, it is clear that Prince Loki will be a major player during the Elbaf Arc.

The One Piece manga has often taken inspiration from real-life cultures and pantheons to tell its story, so there is a high possibility of some of Loki’s most popular myths being introduced to the series, making him one of the most unique and interesting characters in the series.